County approves expansion of McCabe

Crawford County Commissioners approved a variance Friday that will allow McCabe Industries a new site plan to expand its working area.

By NIKKI PATRICK

Morning Sun

By NIKKI PATRICK

Posted Oct. 13, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated Oct 13, 2012 at 12:16 PM

By NIKKI PATRICK

Posted Oct. 13, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated Oct 13, 2012 at 12:16 PM

GIRARD

Crawford County Commissioners approved a variance Friday that will allow McCabe Industries a new site plan to expand its working area.

Commissioner Carl Wood, who owns property adjacent to the site, excused himself from commenting during the discussion.

The firm, which processes tires for recycling, is located a quarter mile north on 190th and was opened in 2001.

“They were to come back in seven years, and they came back nine years later,” said Judy Freeman, administrator of the Crawford County Zoning Department. “Now they wish to extend their footprint from 8.5 to 13 acres.”

Freeman said the zoning board did recommend approval of the variance, with the stipulation that they contact the fire department. Tires burn a long time and we don’t want a problem for trucks getting in and out.”

Commissioner Linda Grilz asked if there had been any opposition from property owners in the area.

“There were questions, but no opposition per se,” Freeman said.

Dennis Meier of Triad Environmental Service said he felt there would be no environmental problems.

“The McCabes had been at a site in the north for 28 years,” he said. “There they take granules from power plants and make roofing granules. They look at tires as a resource. They shred the tires with some dirt, which is added as a form of fire prevention. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has its regulations that they abide by.”

As for the problems of fire control, Meier said that the fire department wants to install a dry hydrant in the area that would draw water from a strip pit in case of fire.

Pam Gilchrist, manager of the American Red Cross Crawford County Service Center, introduced herself to the commissioners.

“My goal is to talk to you about how to spread the news about the Red Cross throughout the county to all the small towns,” she said. “We hope we are seen as a good resource for Crawford County.”

Gilchrist said that a disaster training session is planned for Oct. 27 in Pittsburg.

“If we have a disaster here, can you get a response here?” Wood asked.

“Yes, we can call to get emergency assistance,” Gilchrist said. “They would be coming in from everywhere if we need it.”

Commissioner Linda Grilz asked if the Red Cross would work with other agencies such as the Salvation Army.

“We are aware the Salvation Army has good resources, especially for feeding,” Gilchrist said. “I have been at meetings were Pittsburg Salvation Army Capt. Gary Gugala was present, and we recognize ourselves as common resources.”

The commissioners also approved renewal of the county’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield health insurance for employees.

“It’s basically the same as last year, except the stop-loss is a little higher,” said county clerk Don Pyle.